As the cases of disappearances continue to rise in Balochistan, there is a hardening of sentiments among the Baloch people which is likely to intensify as the state agencies continue to trample on the legitimate aspirations of the people. The insurgency in Balochistan is likely to gain further legitimacy if this state of affairs is allowed to perpetuate in the name of containing secessionism.

Afghanistan has become a staging area for regional and worldwide proxy conflicts with a long history of gender inequality with young girls and women facing significant difficulties and barriers to education, employment, healthcare and participation in politics...